Pelikan Blue 'o Blue

The release of this pen was a little delayed, as was the M800 Italic. Most of my Pelikans have the traditional striated green binde, and some are straight black, so the Blue 'o Blue is a much less subdued Pelikan experience.This is a very difficult pen to photograph, as very slight changes of lighting result in different shades of blue. For some reason, the pen is also more of a 'dust magnet' than my other Pelikans, which may have something to do with the different material and manufacturing process used for the blue binde. It seems to generate a significant amount of static electricity. The cap logo has much less contrast than the regular ones, being gold on yellowish gold, and that too is difficult to photograph with my limited equipment and skills.

I ordered my example with an EF nib, and usually prefer nibs that are even finer. One of my favourite nibs is an EEF that was custom ground by Greg Minuskin, bordering on a needlepoint, which would explain why I was a little unprepared for the width of the M800 Italic nib. Back to the subject of this review, the pen wrote smoothly and consistently from the first fill with Pelikan blue-black. No skipping or false starts, smooth writing with just a hint of toothiness, and a reasonably wet line for what is a relatively dry ink.

Some folk have made unfavourable comparisons between the Blue 'o Blue and the blue version of the Waterman Phileas, but the barrel and cap material is quite different. The balance between opacity and translucence means a pen that is constantly changing its hue of blue as it is exposed to different light conditions, and for me that is part of the charm of the pen.

The build quality is of the usual Pelikan high standard, and the pen is a real gem to handle and use. One other slight variation between this pen and regular M800s is a series of four small 'bridges' between the two gold plated bands on the cap. One of these is visible in the first image, in line with the clip.

As a writer, this pen has nothing more to offer than a regular M800. The value of the cosmetic differences will be in the eye of the beholder, and I for one am happy to have paid a small premium for such a unique pen.

Thanks for the pics. From what I've seen of members' photos, this pen strikes me as being a "moody blue". One picture looks almost grey (on another thread). I realize this can be due to lighting, monitor differences, etc. I have one on order and am looking forward to it. How does it write?

Of the four M800 pens that I have currently inked, the Blue 'o Blue is by far the smoothest. In the last couple of months I've sampled quite a few M800 nibs from different eras, some stock factory and some modified. None of them have been as sweet as this nib, yet it is just a standard production nib, nothing special. On premium presentation paper, the pen just glides over the surface, quite a sensuous experience, in fact.

By the way, LoveMyLamy, 'moody blue' is a great descriptor for this pen!

Now, I'm getting impatient for my order based on your description. It's going to take a little longer since I'm having it customized to a stub italic.... There really needs to be a thumb-twiddling emoticon available. will have to suffice in the interim.

nice pen but I would prefer the cap less transparent (you can see where the cap screws)

Hello! I didn't see a reply to your question about the cap threads. Yes, the threads cap be seen through the transparent cap, but they are not unpleasant to my eye. Also, I must add that I don't consider the blue a "moody" or grayish-blue since it seems rather bright to me. The engraved logo on the cap top is a definite improvement and it certainly 'reflects' the quality of the Souveran series.

I just received my Blue O' Blue directly from Chartpak, quickly, via Todd Nussbaum at isellpens.com, and he offers this model at an excellent price. I must also add that, although I have purchased Pelikan fountain pens and nibs from Richard Binder with good results, other Pelikan nibs and pens received directly from Pelikan, or other sources, have also written beautifully, and I don't think most require any special attention, unless one desires flexibility, etc. Locating the best price from an authorized dealer may be the most important factor for many aficianados.

Could I ask something?I know this may be a stupid question to ask: The Blue Acrylic on the Blue O' Blue - how does it compare to the plasticky feel of the Pelikan Cities Stockholm (or for that matter any Pelikan Cities).I use to have the entire Cities collection (got rid of it)as did not like the cheap feel to the Cities material.Hope you could oblidgeThanks

The release of this pen was a little delayed, as was the M800 Italic. Most of my Pelikans have the traditional striated green binde, and some are straight black, so the Blue 'o Blue is a much less subdued Pelikan experience.This is a very difficult pen to photograph, as very slight changes of lighting result in different shades of blue. For some reason, the pen is also more of a 'dust magnet' than my other Pelikans, which may have something to do with the different material and manufacturing process used for the blue binde. It seems to generate a significant amount of static electricity. The cap logo has much less contrast than the regular ones, being gold on yellowish gold, and that too is difficult to photograph with my limited equipment and skills.

I ordered my example with an EF nib, and usually prefer nibs that are even finer. One of my favourite nibs is an EEF that was custom ground by Greg Minuskin, bordering on a needlepoint, which would explain why I was a little unprepared for the width of the M800 Italic nib. Back to the subject of this review, the pen wrote smoothly and consistently from the first fill with Pelikan blue-black. No skipping or false starts, smooth writing with just a hint of toothiness, and a reasonably wet line for what is a relatively dry ink.

Some folk have made unfavourable comparisons between the Blue 'o Blue and the blue version of the Waterman Phileas, but the barrel and cap material is quite different. The balance between opacity and translucence means a pen that is constantly changing its hue of blue as it is exposed to different light conditions, and for me that is part of the charm of the pen.

The build quality is of the usual Pelikan high standard, and the pen is a real gem to handle and use. One other slight variation between this pen and regular M800s is a series of four small 'bridges' between the two gold plated bands on the cap. One of these is visible in the first image, in line with the clip.

As a writer, this pen has nothing more to offer than a regular M800. The value of the cosmetic differences will be in the eye of the beholder, and I for one am happy to have paid a small premium for such a unique pen.